Good morning, Columbus.

John Walden Jr.—known as Johnny—a respected community member died on Oct 24 at age 83 while surrounded by his family; a service is held today at 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus and memorial contributions may be made to MercyMed of Columbus, Inc.

Local organizers will host trunk-or-treat events on Oct.

30 to provide safe and fun Halloween activities with food options for Columbus families. The events will take place at Boxwood Community Center, the public safety building for Cops & Treats, and a Salvation Army site on Warm Springs Road to offer community support amid SNAP concerns.

Georgia Ports reported that auto manufacturers reduced production & shipments of some vehicles to the U.S. and these changes may impact supply chains in the coming weeks.

A research team that included scientists from Columbus State University uncovered a 115-million-year-old shark fossil that shows giant lamniform sharks evolved 15 million years earlier than previously thought, with body lengths estimated at 6 to 8 meters and weights over 3 tons—indicating cooler water may have boosted their survival. Led by Dr. Mohamad Bazzi and featuring alumna Tatianna Blake, the study offers new clues that will guide future marine research.

A Columbus delegation led by Mayor Skip Henderson and CSU President Stuart Rayfield signed a sister city agreement with Jinju to boost cultural, educational and business ties.

The team attended an international business conference in South Korea—an effort that is expected to attract more South Korean students to Columbus State University and strengthen long-term partnerships.

Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead a state delegation to Japan to attend the Southeastern U.S.-Japan Conference and meet with Japan-based businesses; they will also present the Governor George Busbee Award to honor an advocate of Georgia’s longstanding partnership with Japan — a relationship spanning over 50 years.

A Columbus mother of three is tightening her budget and skipping bill payments to buy groceries after her SNAP benefits will not be renewed in November due to the government shutdown—she normally receives over $800 in food stamps each month.

Community organizations are preparing a list of groups offering meals and groceries to help those affected if the shutdown continues.

Retired Navy Rear Admiral Dawn Cutler said the four-week government shutdown has stressed service members as delays in pay make it hard to cover food and gas while she leads her nonprofit (the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society) that helps veterans.

The group has given nearly 300 active duty members emergency loans (up to 2-thousand dollars each) as they face uncertainty with basic costs.

Piedmont and Outpatient Imaging Affiliates formed a joint venture in Columbus that rebranded Columbus Diagnostic Center as Piedmont Community Imaging to offer high-quality imaging services such as MRI, CT, and ultrasound exams.

The venture will expand to other Georgia communities by the end of 2026—aiming to improve patient experience and quality of care.

Costumes & Cozies: Halloween Movie Night

7:30-10 p.m. — Simon Schwob Memorial Library — Free entry — Enjoy pizza, candy, and a cozy screening of 'Nightmare Before Christmas' in your favorite costume.

Lit & Local Market

11 AM – 3 PM — Piggly Wiggly — Free entry — Celebrate local indie authors and vendors with delicious food in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Old School vs New School: Bring Ya Boots Edition

8-11:30 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — In-person event — Celebrate with cowboy and cowgirl boots at this themed gathering.

Fountain City Classic

7 AM-3:30 PM — A J Mc Clung Memorial Stadium — Admission details not provided — Experience the ultimate showdown at the 35th Annual Fountain City Classic.

Biloxi Breakers at Columbus River Dragons

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Tickets required — Catch some thrilling hockey action as the River Dragons take on the Biloxi Breakers.

The Leaves are Falling

2-3:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — VIP tickets available — Enjoy a premium theatrical experience with exclusive packages including dining and meet-and-greets.

Biloxi Breakers vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:35-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Catch an exciting hockey match during the Columbus River Dragons' season.

Vicki Lynn Maxwell Performance

Evening — The Loft — $10 cover — Experience the diverse musical influences of Vicki Lynn, inspired by her father's legacy in songwriting.

Crowder, Zach Williams, and Matt Maher Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Not specified — Experience a night of gritty, soul-deep music with two powerful headliners in a concert built to shake the walls.

Blakgraz Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Ivy Park Sports & Grill — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of diverse live music with Blakgraz's extensive repertoire.